Menu
16/12/2004
Queen's students told of ‘responsibility to shape society’
Queen's students have a particular responsibility to shape and inform the society in which they live, the University's Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Students and Learning, Professor Ken Bell, has said.
Professor Bell was speaking at a special presentation ceremony for more than 500 part-time and Foundation Studies students at Queen's on Wednesday night.
He told the successful students: "You will provide the skills on which ultimately our society will rely for economic growth which will permit the raising of living standards, the reduction of inequalities, the improvements in the social services and the enrichment of civic life to which we all aspire.
"Yet above all, the future will need your input as people who are educated in the fullest sense of the word, tolerant, open-minded, impartial and capable of recognising that individual worth rests not on accidents of birth, race, or geography, but on personal human qualities."
Professor Bell’s comments follow last month’s trouble in the Holyland’s area surrounding Queen’s University after students protested against a BBC documentary over anti-social behaviour in the area.
Local resident’s claimed their homes were attacked following the BBC NI Spotlight investigation which showed scenes of drunken students urinating in doorways and playing hurley in the early hours of the morning during recent weeks.
Students claimed they were being portrayed in the wrong light and so took to the streets in protest however matters got out of hand when police had to be called following reports that bottles had been broken and abuse was being hurled at residents.
(MB)
Professor Bell was speaking at a special presentation ceremony for more than 500 part-time and Foundation Studies students at Queen's on Wednesday night.
He told the successful students: "You will provide the skills on which ultimately our society will rely for economic growth which will permit the raising of living standards, the reduction of inequalities, the improvements in the social services and the enrichment of civic life to which we all aspire.
"Yet above all, the future will need your input as people who are educated in the fullest sense of the word, tolerant, open-minded, impartial and capable of recognising that individual worth rests not on accidents of birth, race, or geography, but on personal human qualities."
Professor Bell’s comments follow last month’s trouble in the Holyland’s area surrounding Queen’s University after students protested against a BBC documentary over anti-social behaviour in the area.
Local resident’s claimed their homes were attacked following the BBC NI Spotlight investigation which showed scenes of drunken students urinating in doorways and playing hurley in the early hours of the morning during recent weeks.
Students claimed they were being portrayed in the wrong light and so took to the streets in protest however matters got out of hand when police had to be called following reports that bottles had been broken and abuse was being hurled at residents.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 November 2024
Appeal Following Arson Attack In L'Derry
PSNI detectives have issued an appeal for information following a serious arson attack in the Clon Dara area of L'Derry on Saturday, 23 November. Shortly before 8.20pm, police received a report that an accelerant had been used to ignite the front door and letterbox of a house in the area.
Appeal Following Arson Attack In L'Derry
PSNI detectives have issued an appeal for information following a serious arson attack in the Clon Dara area of L'Derry on Saturday, 23 November. Shortly before 8.20pm, police received a report that an accelerant had been used to ignite the front door and letterbox of a house in the area.
22 November 2024
Pedestrian Injured In Belfast Hit-and-Run
The PSNI have issued an appeal for information following a hit-and-run incident in the Botanic Avenue area of Belfast in the early hours of Thursday morning. Officers were called to the scene shortly before 1.30am after a male pedestrian was struck by a maroon Mazda. Despite being injured, the pedestrian left the area before police arrived.
Pedestrian Injured In Belfast Hit-and-Run
The PSNI have issued an appeal for information following a hit-and-run incident in the Botanic Avenue area of Belfast in the early hours of Thursday morning. Officers were called to the scene shortly before 1.30am after a male pedestrian was struck by a maroon Mazda. Despite being injured, the pedestrian left the area before police arrived.
20 November 2024
Three Arrested in L'Derry For Drug Offences
Police in L'Derry have arrested three people and seized drugs worth an estimated £600. The arrests were made following a proactive policing operation in the city. On Monday, 18 November, officers observed suspicious behaviour from a 39-year-old man and a 36-year-old woman in the Strand Road area.
Three Arrested in L'Derry For Drug Offences
Police in L'Derry have arrested three people and seized drugs worth an estimated £600. The arrests were made following a proactive policing operation in the city. On Monday, 18 November, officers observed suspicious behaviour from a 39-year-old man and a 36-year-old woman in the Strand Road area.
19 November 2024
Police Appeal After Arson Attack In Newtownards
Detectives have renewed an appeal for information following a deliberate arson attack at a vacant property in the Weaver's Grange area of Newtownards. The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, 17 November, 2023. Police and firefighters were called to the scene at around 12:40am.
Police Appeal After Arson Attack In Newtownards
Detectives have renewed an appeal for information following a deliberate arson attack at a vacant property in the Weaver's Grange area of Newtownards. The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, 17 November, 2023. Police and firefighters were called to the scene at around 12:40am.
15 November 2024
Arson Attack On 5G Mast In West Belfast
Detectives in Belfast are investigating a suspected arson attack on a 5G mast in the Andersonstown Road area. The incident occurred around 9.55pm on Wednesday, November 13th. Detective Sergeant Faulkner confirmed that officers attended the scene alongside the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, who successfully extinguished the blaze.
Arson Attack On 5G Mast In West Belfast
Detectives in Belfast are investigating a suspected arson attack on a 5G mast in the Andersonstown Road area. The incident occurred around 9.55pm on Wednesday, November 13th. Detective Sergeant Faulkner confirmed that officers attended the scene alongside the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, who successfully extinguished the blaze.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Rain clearing away east by early evening with some clear spells but a few showers likely to affect the North coast and other areas towards dawn, remaining breezy and mild overnight. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
